According to my source, they're very concerned about losing the leadership post, which has gone to a black senator since November 2002 when David Paterson ousted then - Senate Minority Leader Marty Connor (a white Brooklynite) became the first non-white elected to lead a legislative conference in New York history and the highest - ranking black elected official in New York. (nystateofpolitics.com)
From 1977 to 1999, the number of black elected officials with influence over public education in cities (mayors, council members, school board members and superintendents) more than doubled, to 5,815 from 2,724 (secondlineblog.org)
If she triumphs over a Republican in November, she would be the only black elected official in the city to represent a majority white district. (observer.com)